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Gov. Cuomo Activates Winter Storm Plan

Governor Andrew Cuomo on Saturday declared a winter ice storm emergency for the State's North Country and activated the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to respond to a winter ice storm that has moved into New York State and may bring significant icing caused by freezing rain in the western and northern portions of the state, as well as moderate rainfall amounts.

In the Rochester area, the National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warningfor counties including Monroe, Genesee and Orleans until Noon on Sunday. There is the possibility of up to a half inch of ice accumulating in some parts of those counties.

This rain may combine with melting snow from unseasonably high temperatures, resulting in mild to moderate flooding. The storm is expected to create hazardous driving conditions in the affected areas, and motorists are advised to use extreme caution. There is aflood warningin effect for a number of creeks and rivers in Western NY from Sunday night until early Tuesday morning.

Representatives from State agencies will staff the EOC to help coordinate the State’s response, including the New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs, the State Police, the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Department of Transportation, the Public Service Commission and the Thruway Authority.

The New York State Department of Transportation has 1,468 plows and 3,607 operators and supervisors available statewide to clear snow and treat roads with salt. NYSDOT crews in will be out before the storm in affected regions pre-treating the roads with salt to help slow ice and snow buildup.

DEC staff are monitoring the state's stream gauge network to track storm impacts on stream levels, and are in contact with local partners to ensure all flood control projects are ready for operation, if needed. 

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.